WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 1047

TO RECOGNIZE THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF COACH DAVE WILBERS OF THE ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY GOLDEN SUNS AND TO CONGRATULATE COACH WILBERS ON HIS RETIREMENT.

2026 Fiscal Session Introduced by Matt Duffield and 4 co-sponsors

Ceremonially recognizes and honors Coach Dave Wilbers for his long, successful tenure as ATU Golden Suns head coach and announces his retirement.

READ AND ADOPTED.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 1047

Summary of HR 1047 (2026F) – Arkansas

Title

TO RECOGNIZE THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF COACH DAVE WILBERS OF THE ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY GOLDEN SUNS AND TO CONGRATULATE COACH WILBERS ON HIS RETIREMENT

Purpose and Intent

  • This is a House Resolution recognizing the achievements and career of Coach Dave Wilbers, head coach of the Arkansas Tech University (ATU) women’s basketball team, the Golden Suns.
  • It formally congratulates Coach Wilbers on his retirement and acknowledges his impact on ATU's basketball program and its reputation.

Key Provisions and Provisions Changes

  • The resolution provides a narrative of Coach Wilbers’ tenure and accomplishments, including:

    • Appointment as head coach on April 30, 2007.
    • Notable early success: 2007-08 season record of 26-6 and a national ranking (No. 10) with an appearance in the 2008 NCAA Division II Tournament.
    • 2010 milestones: Gulf South Conference (GSC) Tournament championship in double overtime; advancement to the NCAA Division II Tournament South Region final, earning ATU’s first NCAA Elite Eight appearance in over a decade.
    • 2010-2011 season: team achieved its first No. 1 national ranking and won both the GSC Tournament and the NCAA Division II South Region title.
    • Subsequent seasons: multiple Great American Conference (GAC) regular-season titles, conference tournament championships, and NCAA Division II Tournament berths.
    • Overall program impact: 382 victories, 9 NCAA Division II Tournament berths, 7 regular-season conference championships, 5 conference tournament championships, and 2 NCAA Division II region titles during Wilbers’ tenure.
    • Historical standing: Wilbers ranks No. 2 in all-time wins among ATU basketball coaches (men’s and women’s programs combined), behind Joe Foley; tied for most seasons as a head basketball coach at ATU (19 seasons) with Sam Hindsman.
    • Personal and programmatic remarks from ATU Athletic Director Abby Davis highlighting his achievements and emphasis on academic success for student-athletes.

  • The resolution does not introduce new laws or fiscal provisions. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Who and What Would Be Affected

  • Primary subject: Coach Dave Wilbers and the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns basketball program.
  • The ATU community, student-athletes, alumni, and supporters are the indirect beneficiaries through formal recognition of athletic success and leadership.
  • No regulatory or budgetary impacts; symbolic recognition only.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Filed: April 23, 2026, during the 95th General Assembly, Fiscal Session.
  • Sponsors: A bipartisan slate of House members (Duffield, Eaton, J. Mayberry, Pilkington, R. Scott Richardson) with co-sponsors including Julie Mayberry, James Eaton, Matt Duffield, and Aaron Pilkington.
  • Action: This is a House Resolution, which, if adopted, would be presented to Coach Wilbers by the Chief Clerk of the Arkansas House of Representatives.

Bottom Line

HR 1047 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Coach Dave Wilbers for his long and successful tenure as head coach of the ATU Golden Suns, celebrating landmark teams and records, and announcing retirement. It recognizes his contributions to Arkansas Tech and to women’s college basketball and commemorates his legacy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.